"There has been a significant shift in Barcelona's team dynamics in midfield and defence lately, particularly revolving around Eric Garcia. The former Man City starlet has performed masterfully in midfield alongside Pedri, as evidenced by his recent performance against CA Osasuna. Garcia's role in midfield once again came at the expense of Frenkie de Jong, who has struggled with health, family reasons, as well as performances. It is evident that Garcia's performances in midfield are putting pressure on Frenkie de Jong."
"But the Dutchman will have a chance to prove himself when Barcelona take on CD Guadalajara in the Copa Del Rey's Round of 32 tie, reports Mundo Deportivo. It will be a welcome start for the Dutchman, who hasn't started a single match for Barcelona since the end of November. He hasn't started for Barcelona in the month of December at all. Therefore, the midfielder will face a litmus test against CD Guadalajara, although coach Hansi Flick will be mindful of the fact that Guadalajara are a lower-tier opponent."
Eric Garcia has moved into a central midfield role and delivered strong performances alongside Pedri, notably against CA Osasuna. His midfield presence has displaced Frenkie de Jong, whose form and availability have been affected by health and family issues. De Jong will start against CD Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 and will be offered a chance to regain a regular role. The match represents a litmus test despite Guadalajara being a lower-tier opponent; failure to impress would weaken De Jong's prospects of replacing Garcia in upcoming matches. Garcia remains the favorite to start alongside Pedri against Villarreal.
Read at Barca Universal
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